June 2018
At the completion of an art camp that was a unique experience for the Kaaya team and the artists who were in residence. In what ways it was unique is probably best expressed in the words of the artists. So keep reading how the artists engaged with art… the Kaaya way
Mysore-based Iranian artist, Tala Afshin, is currently doing a PhD on Indian and Iranian miniature paintings. Moving away slightly from abstracts, Tala recently has done a lot of work on portraits of women and how they choose to dress to express themselves. Tala brought a fresh perspective to our Artists’ Residency and we can’t thank her enough for the beautiful Kaaya logo she sculptured for us in Persian text.
Painter Srinivas Rao Potelu’s art is a lot about abstractions and the use of the colour green on canvas, inspired by his two yearlong travels across the forests of Andhra Pradesh and his life in tribal villages. Based in Hyderabad, Srinivas has participated in many solo and group shows in India and abroad. Srinivas’s intriguing spirit added something special to Kaaya’s Artists’ Residency, leaving us wishing for much more of his intense work
As a child, Satya Sai Mothadaka used to find that all his classmates came to him for their biology drawings. Perhaps that is how he discovered his talent; and then there was no looking back. After a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Satya moved to Delhi for his Master’s at Jamia Milia. Now, Department Head and an art teacher at Army Public School, Delhi, he continues to get many accolades nationally and internationally, and was also identified as the Most Promising Artist of India by NDTV. We must thank Satya for enthusiastically supporting the Artists’ Residency and encouraging other artists join in for making art at Kaaya
Delhi-based painter, Punam Sharma, usually works with the themes of nature and abstractions. Moving from oil on canvas to paper a few years back, she has now developed a unique style with paper-on-paper. Also a passionate art teacher, Punam loves working with children and watching how art takes unpredictable shapes in young hands. At Kaaya’s Artists’ Residency, Punam’s works reflected her special way of mixing abstractions with nature, and we loved the results.
Painter, Jagmohan Bangani is a Lalit Kala Research Scholar and Ford Foundation fellow. Among many other recognitions and academic achievements, his art works are also in collections of the Secretariat of Uttarakhand State, Lalit Kala Akademi, the Ford Foundation, Max Mueller Bhavan, and Asian Heritage Foundation, to name just a few. Originally from Uttarakhand, Jagmohan’s long association with Kaaya gave birth to the idea of our Artists Residency. Hats off to this marvelous artist and we look forward to more such exciting collaborations very soon
When not working on commissioned art pieces or participating in art shows, mural artist and sculptor, Gude Srinivasa Rao, spends times living, learning, and making art with tribal communities. At the Kaaya Artists’ Residency, Srinivasa brought forth a distinct tribal flavour to the works he created, which we found especially fascinating. We can’t stop being awed and inspired by these wonderful artists we got a chance to spend time with. Thank you, Srinivasa, for a great creative experience
Originally from Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, Deepak Panwar comes from a family of sculptors. After a junior scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and a Masters in Sculpting from Jamia, he now teaches sculpting to students of Amity School in Delhi. While he works with children during the day, he spends the rest of his time making art, or participating in art shows and residencies. At Kaaya’s Artists’ Residency, Deepak’s work spoke to the spirit of the place as he created stunning sculptures that echoed the beauty of the mountains and forests that surrounded us.
A childhood passion for art was the starting point for Hyderabad-based artist, Bhaskar Rao. Bhaskar has since found national and international fame through several solo shows, artist residencies, and awards, with the latest feather in his cap being selection into The International Artist Salon of the Art Revolution Taipei 2017. Watching Bhaskar work at Kaaya’s Artists’ Residency was awe inspiring, as he fused together his love for trees and landscapes with the serene beauty of Tilwadi village, where we are located. Thank you, Bhaskar, for letting us enjoy the depth and beauty of your art.
It was a delight to watch and learn from Delhi-based sculptor, Amit Singh, during the Artists’ Residency here. A MFA from Lucknow Arts College and a recent 6-month art residency in Netherlands shaped his distinct style. Amit works magic with clay, glass, metal, and Plaster of Paris to create sculptures, installations, and mixed media, which we got a glimpse of during the 3 days he spent with us.
